Portable explains walkout after disqualification in Okocha boxing rematch

Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has explained why he walked out of the ring during his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha, claiming he was bitten and unfairly attacked during the contest.

Portable made the claims in a video shared on his Instagram page on Saturday, hours after he was disqualified from the bout held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Displaying marks on his back and body, the singer alleged that Okocha abandoned boxing for wrestling and bit him during the fight.

“He bit me. I landed a heavy hit on him,” Portable said while showing what he claimed were injuries sustained during the contest.

The singer insisted he was dominating the fight before the altercation, claiming he landed more punches on his opponent.

“Normally, I beat him up. Man to man, one man is tougher than another. I dealt him a huge blow,” he said.

Explaining why he left the ring, Portable said he no longer wanted to continue after the alleged foul play, adding that his music career was more valuable than the prize money attached to the fight.

“He bit me, number one. He choked my neck. That’s why I said I don’t fight again. I’m big. I’m bigger than the money. I’m a star,” he said.

Portable also claimed he had entered the ring intending to end the contest in the opening round.

“I wore one-round cloth to the bout. I wanted to beat him in one round,” he added.

The celebrity bout, tagged “Unfinished Business,” was organised as a rematch after Okocha disputed the outcome of their first encounter, which was awarded to Portable.

Friday’s contest, however, ended in controversy after both men became locked in a wrestling-style struggle, prompting the referee and security personnel to intervene.

Although Portable briefly returned to the ring after walking away, officials disqualified him for leaving the contest, awarding victory to Okocha.

Before the fight, Portable had expressed confidence about his chances, insisting he remained the better fighter after winning their first meeting.